1) King David was anointed as a young teenager to be king but did not become king of all Israel until he was 30 years old. During this time, he faced many challenges as he was hunted by King Saul. 2) David learned important lessons during this time about depending on God, being consistent in his faith, and valuing people that prepared him to become a great king. 3) As king, David was a caring leader who knew each of his soldiers personally, empowered them, and fought bravely alongside them, leading to many military victories.

1. The Road to the Throne Maywald Jesudass

2. The Greatest King of Israel Its commonly accepted that after Moses, King David is the greatest leader of the Old Testament. While he was a teenager David was anointed to be the King of Israel – he may have been 16 yrs old.

3. He only became a King (of Judah) when he was 22 yrs.

4. When he was 30 years he became the King of Israel

5. He ruled the entire nation of Israel for 33 years.

6. In all he ruled for 40 years. * From the grazing fields God brings David to the palace as a musician to King Saul. He later becomes the armour bearer of the King.

7. His victory over Goliath and other victories elevated him to be the captain of a 1000.

8. Soon David was hunted like an animal by Saul. He was on the run – living in the caves

9. In Gath, David lived for 14 months and even joined force with the Philistines to attack Israel. Anointed to be the King, it took David more than a decade to be pronounced as the King of Israel. God used these years to Train ... Equip David . There are no easy steps

10. Lessons in Dependence “The great honour conferred upon David did not elate him. Notwithstanding the high position which he was to occupy, he quietly continued his employment, content to await the development of the Lord’s plan in His own time and way. As humble and modest as before his anointing, the shepherd boy returned to the hills and watched and guarded his flocks as tenderly as ever.” EGW, PP 641. God revealed to this young shepherd King that the basic needs of the sheep and the children of Israel are the same.

11. They need the green pastures and the still waters.

12. They need to be led ... To sense his benevolence at low points. They need protection from enemies ... To be blessed and raised above their enemies.

13. They need to live in prosperity ... To experience their cups overflowing. “David, to be a King you need to be the shepherd of the people not a hired servant.”This Christian leader fell on his knees and prayed, “Lord this task of a King is weighing me down. Be my Shepherd. Lead me that I may lead this people in the paths of righteousness.”

14. When a Christian Leader places his trust in his abilities, in his brilliant high achieving team, and in his influential bosses ... It is like the blind leading the blind.

15. Christian Leaders who know the Lord leave behind a spiritual legacy. To the Christian leaders of today, David says ... “Do not put your trust in princes” Ps. 40: 4“It is better to trust the Lord” Ps. 118: 8 “Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust” Ps. 40: 4“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Ps. 125: 1